Byrd open to re-signing with Bills

Amid reports that contract negotiations are underway between the Bills and impending free agent Jairus Byrd, the free safety stated it was news to him on Friday.

“I honestly don’t know,” said Byrd. “I talked to my agent, but we really haven’t talked about that – it’s kind of been ‘How are you doing?’ or whatever. He just lets me focus (on football). I let him handle that. But he’ll tell me what’s going on.”

Byrd did say however, that he is open to re-signing with the Bills.

“Sure yeah if everything works out. I have no problems with Buffalo, but I know that around this time it’s about business, so I understand that too,” he said. “I love the fans here. We just have to win. That’s the biggest thing, just winning and I want to be somewhere where I’m wanted too. I want people to want me here and if that’s the case I have no problems with Buffalo and coach Gailey. Everybody here is great.”

Bills GM Buddy Nix has stated since training camp that Byrd is one of a few key free agents they would like to re-sign.

“He’s a guy we’d like to keep,” Nix told Buffalobills.com. “We’ve said that all along.”

Byrd, who is tied for third in the league in interceptions with 17 since he entered the league, currently leads the team in interceptions, forced fumbles and is tied for the team lead in fumble recoveries. He’s also second on the team in tackles behind only Nick Barnett. In the last year of his rookie contract, Byrd admits that entering the free agent process for the first time carries a measure of anticipation.

“It’s exciting, everyone is excited about that possibility,” said Byrd. “I’m just trying to finish this season and go from there.”